Getting Rid of Canker Sores is a Few Steps Away
Canker sores (apthous ulcers) are those small, painful, white or yellowish sores that appear in the mucous membranes of the mouth from time-to-time. They appear along the gum-line, inside the cheeks, inside the lips, and sometimes on the tongue. Everyone gets them, and there are a number of reasons for them. No matter what the reason for your canker sores, if you have them, you are sure to be wondering how to get rid of canker sores.
Some canker sores are just a local problem within the mouth. They are not accompanied by any symptoms other than a small, very painful sore – or a group of them, which is even more painful! This sort of canker sore will usually go away on its own within a week or so and can be topically treated with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication or simple treatment to ease the pain allowing for canker sore treatment at home.
Non-prescription mouthwash containing diphenhydramine is sometimes suggested, as are a number of topical anesthetics. Some people find these OTC preparations very effective, while others do not. Even for those people who find OTC medications for canker sores effective, the effectiveness is often very brief. Additionally, OTC preparations may cause complications in both children and adults. For example, one study found that, while antimicrobial mouthwashes reduced the pain of canker sores, the use of them increased the duration of outbreaks!
Canker sores that are very large or extensive, accompanied by fever, bodily aches and pains, swollen lymph nodes, coated tongue, signs of infection, anxiety and/or a general sense of being unwell are indicative of a deeper and more serious problem. If you experience an outbreak of this sort of canker sores, you should see a doctor.
When to See a Doctor Regarding Canker Sores
Additionally, if you experience canker sores that do not improve or resolve within two weeks’ time, you should see a doctor. Persistent canker sores could be a symptom of a serious illness or condition such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or other autoimmune deficiency, a viral or bacterial infection, drug allergies or even cancer. Your doctor will be able to perform a skin lesion biopsy, provide you with a firm diagnosis and tell you how to get rid of canker sores.
Depending upon the reason for your canker sores, your doctor may write you a prescription for a “Magic Mouthwash”. This is an individualized combination of ingredients formulated to address your unique needs. Some ingredients that are frequently used in Magic Mouthwash are:
- Tetracycline or Erythromycin – antibiotics
- Glucocorticoids – anti-inflammatory
- Diphenhydramine – antihistamine
- Maalox – antacid & coating agent
- Lidocaine – pain reliever
- Sucralfate – coating agent
- Nystatin- antifungal
There is no standard formulation for Magic Mouthwash. The formula is based on your symptoms and the underlying causes of your canker sores. Even though, there has been only one study on the effectiveness of Magic Mouthwash, and the results of that study did not prove the use of this treatment effective, physicians still prescribe it, and people find it effective.
Your doctor may also prescribe oral medications and topical treatments. See list here. The underlying reason for your persistent canker sores will determine the treatment your doctor prescribes.
Canker Sore Prevention
Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid getting canker sores by taking good care of yourself. If you eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and plenty of exercise, avoid junk food, alcohol, and tobacco products, you will be more likely to have a strong immune system that will fight off most canker sores. If you do find yourself plagued by canker sores that won’t go away, be sure to see your doctor, who will help you understand how to get rid of canker sores.